Honorable Profession
by Andy Kutler
GENRE: Contemporary Fiction (Political)
BLURB:
Honorable Profession: A Novel of American Politics is a compelling, hopeful story of a cynical former Secret Service agent and his idealistic daughter as they follow a longshot candidate into the perilous arena of presidential politics.
After resigning from his agency under an ethical cloud, 46-year-old Dan Cahill commits himself to rebuilding his relationship with Megan, the college-aged daughter in Las Vegas he has long neglected. She persuades a reluctant Cahill to join the student-led campaign of a popular professor competing in the Nevada presidential primary against impossible odds. As they face powerful forces conspiring to clear the field, Cahill's deep-seated disdain for electoral politics collides with Megan's higher ideals. Each of their faiths are tested by political allies and adversaries, all desperate for victory, no matter the costs.
Crafted by award-winning author Andy Kutler, Honorable Profession is an absorbing, modern-day political drama filled with authentic and indelible characters, each struggling with their own loyalties and principles as they duel with unscrupulous rivals and the meaning of public service.
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Excerpt:
A waiter removed the unfinished salads and set down their main courses. Tilapia for him, penne pasta in arrabbiata sauce for her. Neither reached for a fork, and Anna sat expressionless, her eyes burning into him. Finally, she moved her plate aside and rested her chin again on her folded hands.
“Forty minutes now, we’ve known each other. Every political instinct in my body is telling me to laugh off your question. Tell you you’re misreading things and assure you I’m going to Washington because I believe I can do more good there, and better serve the people of my state.”
It was like he hit a nerve. “I didn’t mean to suggest you don’t care about people. You have—”
“I’m far from perfect, Dan, and I have my share of shortcomings. But dishonesty isn’t one of them. I’m going to Washington because I believe I can do far more good there, and for far more people.”
She paused, taking a long sip from her wine as she contemplated her next words.
“And yes, you’re right, there’s more to the story. But sharing that with a stranger would be more than reckless. Just like it’s unwise, if not self-destructive, to continue this conversation.”
“And yet we’re still talking.”
“And yet we’re still talking.”
“Vic is a phone call away.”
Anna leaned forward again, her eyes exploring his. “What is this between you and me? Or do you not have any idea what I’m talking about?”
He knew exactly what she was talking about. “I – I don’t know.”
Interview with Andy Kutler
What are four things you can’t live without?
Diet Coke. NFL Sundays. My favorite craps table in Las Vegas. And more Diet Coke.
What is your favorite television show?
Count me as one of the Ted Lasso fanatics, and I’m still mourning the end of Game of Thrones. But I think the best writing on television today is Billions.
If you could be any character, from any literary work, who would you choose to be? Why?
There is a series of novels about the British Navy during the Napoleonic wars, and the lead character s named Richard Bolitho. We get to know him from his years as a teenaged midshipman to when he becomes a senior admiral. Such great adventures, but also a terrific character study of a man full of integrity, loyalty, and compassion.
What have you got coming soon for us to look out for?
I’m currently working on a non-fiction, comprehensive account of World War II, written mostly for a young adult audience. To my knowledge, nothing like this ever been done before. It’s the toughest challenge I’ve taken on so far – so much research and sourcing! – but I’m loving it.
What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I’m going to reference books from my childhood, because they are what gave me the passion for reading, which I think is the root of my dream to become a published author. Those books include Then Again, Maybe I Won’t by Judy Blume, My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier, and Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Andy Kutler is a writer and author of two award-winning novels, The Batter’s Box and The Other Side of Life. Andy has also written extensively for The Huffington Post and The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Over a 28-year professional career, he has worked in the United States Senate, the U.S. Secret Service, and the national security community. A Wisconsin native, Andy lives with his wife and two children in Arlington, Virginia.
CONNECT WITH ANDY
5 comments:
Thanks for hosting!
I like the excerpt and cover.
Sounds like an interesting book.
What inspires your book plot ideas?
Great interview, nice cover and I enjoyed reading the excerpt, Honorable Profession sounds like a very interesting, attention holding read for me to enjoy! Thanks for sharing it with me and have a sunshiny day!
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